10 special education books every teacher should read

These books are perfect for professional development for special education teachers. Are you a special education teacher who needs help with professional development? Here are 10 books every teacher should read. This post is for you.

Lately, I’ve read many books about teaching children with disabilities, but these 10 are my favorites (in no particular order).

Teach children with special needs by reading these fantastic books.

Firstly, as a special education teacher, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. Secondly, you may be able to help them overcome obstacles, or you may just be able to provide them with a safe space where they can learn and grow.

However, teachers are often on the front lines when it comes to supporting students with disabilities. As a result, they also need professional development on how best to do that without compromising their own well-being.

Here are 10 books every special education teacher should read this summer:

1. “Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Succeed in School and Life” by Thomas Armstrong

2. “The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students” by Jessica Minahan

3. “High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: The Final Report” by Council of Exceptional Children

4. “The IEP from A to Z: How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives” by by Diane Twachtman-Cullen

5. “Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them” by Ross Greene

6. The Paraprofessional’s Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms

7. Collaborative Teams That Work: The Definitive Guide to Cycles of Learning in a PLC by Colin Sloper

8. Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkins

9. The Teacher’s Guide to Self-Care: Build Resilience, Avoid Burnout, and Bring a Happier and Healthier You to the Classroom by Sarah Forest

10. Atomic Habits by James Clear

We all know, as a special educator, you already have an enormous job. You have to teach students with disabilities in a way that helps them reach their full potential. You have to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Sometimes you even have to help them find jobs when they get older too. With these 10 books every teacher should read, you will be better prepared for the daily challenges as a special educators.

Finally, being a teacher is about more than just teaching — it’s about continuing your own education as well. Moreover, reading for professional development can make a teacher more effective and satisfied in their job.